Why is my thoroughbred horse lazy, not eating, and only trotting?

Your horse could have a mild colic or some other medical issue going on. I would watch him carefully to make sure he starts to eat normally, is drinking water, and passing stool. If he is rolling, looking at his sides, acting uncomfortable, and not passing stool he is likely feeling colicky and needs to see a veterinarian. Hope that helps!

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm not an equine or large animal veterinarian but many many things could be wrong with your horse. Dental issues come to mind but many other things need to be evaluated by your large animal veterinarian. I would advise calling your veterinarian and let them handle this case. This could be something easily remedied or more complicated. A good physical exam, history, and possible tests would provide light on what is going on. I'm sorry I can't be more specific but a hands-on exam is definitely a place to start. Thanks for using Pet Coach!

There are many things that could cause a sore fetlock - a joint infection, a bruise, a pulled muscle or strained tendon, or even a fracture of one of the bones in this area. If she isn't finishing her food, this likely means that she's quite painful. If she were acting normal otherwise, I would suggest stall rest for the next few days to see if the lameness improves; however, since she's painful enough that it's affecting her appetite, I would really recommend having an equine vet come out to see her today if at all possible. He/she can take x-rays if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

If she's not eating, she's eating painful, colicky, or both. Take a heart rate if you know how to do this--normal is 20-40 beats/minute. If it's higher than this, she's painful and needs to see a veterinarian. If she is rolling, looking at her sides, or not passing manure, she needs to see a vet as these are signs of colic. If you really think she's resting her hocks, then they are sore, and she needs xrays to see what kind of arthritis is going on and what steps you need to take to make her more comfortable. Hope that helps!

Hello. Every horse is an individual, & despite everything you might read, if Beau was doing well on the oats & hay, then that is good for him. Your photo shows a nicely balanced horse. As long as he maintains a good weight like this, then anything additional is unnecessary. Oats, hay & pasture are perfect for him. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Patch! It sounds like he has a couple of things going on at the moment. He may not be eating because he has dental problems, a systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. He could be moving slowly because he's injured or is suffering from a musculoskeletal problem such as arthritis. I would have him rest today, and offer him some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. Should he refuse to eat this diet and/or he's still moving very slowly in the morning, have him seen by a vet for a health check.

These are signs that he is either in a great deal of pain, or is very sick. There could be many possible causes of this, so it's difficult to say what exactly this means, or how easily this can be treated, but it's worth a visit to the vet. The vet will be able to help narrow-down the cause and at-least give treatment to make him feel better. Given his current condition, I reccomend he go to the vet within the next 24 hours. I hope that helps and Bobby gets better soon.